Towards a Generic Data Model for the Integrated Intelligent Computer-Assisted Language Learning (iiCALL) Environment

Abstract

The Integrated Intelligent Computer-Assisted Language Learning (iiCALL) environment is a Web-based e-learning platform that enables language learning in common working environments like Web browsers or email clients. Business logic and language issues are mainly implemented at the iiCALL server. To meet the challenges for providing high quality and context-related language learning, the iiCALL system is assumed to be semantically interoperable, scalable and flexible. Additionally, existing and well approved technologies and standards have to be taken into consideration. Open technologies for communication are as important as a knowledge-based and service-oriented architecture (SOA). Following an idea coming from the healthcare sector, in particular the development of Health Level Seven International (HL7) version 3, the iiCALL development process concentrates on object-oriented analysis and object-oriented design to achieve a generic data model. Based on the initial architecture and database design, the development process for iiCALL applications is redeveloped, which by abstraction yields to the iiCALL generic data model.